America News Agency

The Australian government announced that it will deploy aircraft and specialist personnel to assist in combating the major wildfires that continue to affect France.

According to a joint statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain, and New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, the decision was made following a request for assistance from France.

As part of the mission, a CH-47D Chinook firefighting helicopter capable of carrying 11,300 liters of water and a Bell 412 helicopter to be used for reconnaissance and support operations will be deployed to France.

The aircraft will be accompanied by a 24-member air and ground crew from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS). The teams are expected to support firefighting operations around the clock alongside France's emergency response units.

The statement noted that the wildfires in France are among the largest the country has faced in decades due to multiple active fire fronts and a prolonged heatwave occurring simultaneously.

The deployment will be carried out in the coming days with the support of the Australian Defence Force's strategic airlift and logistics capabilities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said, "Australia and France work closely together in our region. We are proud to support France at a time when it needs assistance."

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, "France is a close and valued friend of Australia. We stand with the French people as they battle these devastating wildfires."

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain recalled that France supported Australia during the 2019–2020 "Black Summer" bushfires, stating, "Australia has one of the world's most advanced firefighting capabilities. We are pleased to provide France with every assistance we can."

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib also noted that the Chinook helicopter's large water-carrying capacity and night-operation capability will make a significant contribution to France's firefighting efforts.